CHAPTER 323: CHAPTER 323: THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT

Simon Rhodes’s birthday party was held at Caleb Grant’s bar.

The crowd wasn’t huge, but the place was booked entirely, with almost all of Simon Rhodes’s comfortable relatives and friends attending—no business associates were invited.

The large bar had become like a big private room, and the atmosphere was quite lively.

Landon Sutton initially didn’t allow Shannon Quinn to attend, worried that the smoke and alcohol from the bar would affect her and the baby inside her, but she liked being part of the fun, and after pestering him, he had to agree.

Fortunately, the bar was spacious, and while there were people smoking and drinking, no odors were detectable.

Shannon Quinn only knew that Erin Bishop would be attending, but didn’t expect to see Susan Wilde.

"Skylar, how come you’re here too? Haven’t seen Shawn? You came alone?"

Susan Wilde didn’t realize the party would be this big until she arrived. Fearing unnecessary misunderstandings if she said Simon Rhodes invited her, she made an excuse, saying, "Shawn didn’t have time, so he asked me to come over."

Simon Rhodes saw Susan Wilde but didn’t come over to greet her; being the star of the night and with so many friends around, it was understandable that he was too busy.

Susan Wilde accepted the invitation out of courtesy, as a return favor, since the last time it was her birthday, Simon Rhodes had specially sent her a custom-made cake.

Shannon Quinn also spotted Peach, still sticking close to Caleb Grant.

Caleb Grant was cold to everyone, but he was very doting on this child.

It’s often said that even the toughest person softens when they have a daughter; they put on a tough image in public but might just be playing Barbie dolls with their daughter in private at home.

Thinking of this, Shannon Quinn couldn’t help but imagine Landon Sutton with their daughter; the child was still in the womb, and he already treasured it so much. Once born, it would be on a pedestal.

Seeing Landon Sutton waving at her from afar, Shannon Quinn gleefully ran over, and he wrapped an arm around her and asked, "Do you know how to play cards?"

Shannon Quinn shook her head, "I know how to play mahjong."

Landon Sutton chuckled, "Just look at the cards, go with your gut."

As soon as Landon Sutton finished speaking, Ronan Rhodes burst out laughing, "Master Nate is dominating, guys, let’s give it our best tonight, it’s rare to win Master Nate’s money."

Shannon Quinn immediately declined, saying, "Forget it, I don’t know how to play, you play, I’ll watch you."

Before Landon Sutton could say anything, Ronan Rhodes persuaded, "Sister-in-law, just have fun and enjoy yourself, Master Nate’s pockets are full."

Landon Sutton also nodded, looking like he was encouraging her to play freely, and just then Erin Bishop also joined, "Count me in, if I win, it’s on me, if I lose, put it on Zane."

Zane Rhodes, who was sitting nearby, didn’t say a word in dissent and even made room for Erin Bishop by shifting aside.

Seeing Erin Bishop come over, Shannon Quinn gained the courage to join in.

Not knowing how to play cards, Susan Wilde originally stood along with others watching the fun from the periphery, but she suddenly received a call from Shawn Rhodes.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Susan Wilde walked a little further, casually pushed open a private room door, but unexpectedly, disturbed a couple in an embrace inside.

"Sorry, sorry!" After apologizing, she hurriedly closed the door. Afraid of another incident, she didn’t dare open another private room door. Not answering the call would lead it to disconnect eventually, so seeing it was quiet, she answered the call in the corridor, "Hello?"

"What time are you leaving work tonight?"

"A bit later, why?" When Susan Wilde spoke, there was a slight guilt, fearing Shawn had seen her at the party and was calling her, instinctively looking around, deeply afraid he was watching her from some corner.

"Be back before eight."

Without waiting for Susan to ask more, he hung up the phone.

Susan Wilde glanced at the time on her phone; it was already seven-thirty.

"Why are you here alone?"

Susan Wilde turned and saw Simon Rhodes approaching, so she said, "Just wanted to find you."

"Hm?"

"I have something at home, need to go back."

Susan paused for a moment, as if her words scalded her, adding, "...Happy Birthday."

Simon chuckled softly, taking off his glasses, pulling a handkerchief from his breast pocket, and, while wiping his glasses, said, "You’re not staying a bit longer? I’ll take you home later."

"No need, you have so many guests, don’t want to trouble you. It’s easy to get a cab here."

He nodded. Because he removed his glasses, he squinted, looking at her as he asked, "Where’s my birthday present?"

Susan was stunned; she only just learned it was his birthday today, so there was no time to prepare a gift, nor did she ever think of this.

Never expected he’d openly ask for a birthday gift.

"...I’ll add you on WeChat later and send you a red packet."

Simon laughed, moving a step closer without leaving a trace. Susan instinctively retreated, her back pressing against the wall.

Without giving her a chance to react, he couldn’t resist leaning in and kissed her enticing pomegranate-like lips.

The warmth on her lips made Susan’s mind go blank for a moment, and realizing his overstep, she quickly pushed him away.

She looked at him, frowning in silence.

Simon elegantly put on his glasses first, smiled, and said, "Thank you for the gift, I really like it."

Annoyed, Susan glared at him, raising the back of her hand to vigorously wipe her lips, and swiftly ran off to the side.

Watching her leave, Simon’s smile gradually faded, and his eyes grew dim.

The bustling birthday party lost its meaning with her departure.

In the taxi, Susan raised her hand, lightly touching her lips with her finger. That brief urgent kiss lingered in her mind, refusing to leave.

Are rich people always so self-centered, without considering others’ situations?

Susan walked into the house, immediately smelling the aroma of food, as if some medicinal herbs were simmering in soup.

Shawn Rhodes heard the sound and walked out from the kitchen. Susan avoided his gaze, guiltily looking down and changing her shoes.

He said, "Mom brought a black-bone chicken over tonight, asked me to make soup for you."

Susan finished changing her shoes, looked up at him, paused and said, "I’ve already had dinner, you go ahead and eat."

Did he call her back just to have soup?

This side of Shawn seemed abnormal to Susan; under normal circumstances, he should be dining with Rowan Alder.

Seems the two hadn’t reconciled, and that’s why he had time to make soup at home.

And thinking of her husband at home making things for her, while she was out doing things wrong, Susan felt a twinge of guilt.

"I’ll serve a bowl for you to have later, just something to say to mom," he said, then turned back to the kitchen. Susan stood at the door for a couple of seconds before quietly going back to her room.